French Literature

Founded in 1914, this prize is awarded annually for a novel judged by the Académie Française to be the best of the year.

This prize, which was founded in 1904 by writers of the journal La Vie Heureuse, is awarded by an all-female jury. Both men and women are eligible to win.

Founded in 1903, Le Prix Goncourt is considered the most prestigious literary prize in France, along with Le Prix Femina. It is awarded by the Académie Goncourt.

The Médicis Prize was founded in 1958 by Gala Barbisan and Jean-Pierre Giraudoux. Its mission is to crown a novel, a story, a collection of short stories whose author is just starting out or does not yet have a reputation corresponding to his talent.

Founded in 1925, Le Prix Renaudot is name after the French philanthropist and physician Théophraste Renaudot (1586-1653). It competes with the Prix Goncourt.

Awarded annually since 1980, the Prix Rosny-Aîné is for French science fiction. Awards are given for two categories—the best novel and the best short fiction.